Maybe Later(23)

AWalk90: That’s code for ugly face but great body?

JSpear84: There’s no code. She was pretty and interesting. One of those women who doesn’t spend much time in front of the mirror to look beautiful. She’s brilliant. I could spend hours talking about everything, and I bet I’d want to see her again.

AWalk90: Would you like me to make some reservations for you or send her flowers?

JSpear84: No, I wouldn’t want to come on too strong. I’m still not sure if I want to talk to her.

AWalk90: Of course you want to talk to her. Call her, go on a date. When was the last time you went out with someone?

JSpear84: It’s been a long time. I can’t even remember how to do it. Any suggestions?

AWalk90: My last date was sophomore year of college. I’m the last person you should be asking for help.

JSpear84: That long ago, huh? Are you married to that boyfriend?

AWalk90: Wouldn’t you like to know?

JSpear84: I’m curious.

AWalk90: Ask her to go out with you, you might have a good time. Stop the loneliness, it’s eating your soul.



I stare at the screen, reading her words and even though she’s been driving me crazy from the beginning, having her around feels good. She might be right. It’s time to open up.



JSpear84: If the date sucks?

AWalk90: We can watch another movie. A.I. with Will Smith?

JSpear84: That’s iRobot. A.I was even worse. Actually, both are terrible.

AWalk90: Did you read iRobot?

JSpear84: Of course, I’ve read all Asimov’s books.

AWalk90: Why’d I even ask? My best friend made me read them in high school. He read a few classics in exchange.

JSpear84: Friend or boyfriend?

AWalk90: Best friend since elementary school. He’s married to my college roommate.

JSpear84: Who did you marry?

AWalk90: LOL

JSpear84: I’m intrigued.

AWalk90: I’m tired, and I have a lot to do tomorrow. Goodnight, Mr. Spearman.

JSpear84: Sweet dreams, Miss Walker.





Chapter Eleven





Jack


Thursday, April 21st, 5:09 p.m.



I grunt as I look at my ringing phone. It’s Alex. Shit, I promised to call him after lunch, and it’s already five o’clock. What happened to this fucking day? It feels like only a few hours ago I was watching Clueless with Amy while finishing my project.

“Alex,” I answer the phone, keeping my attention on the screen, a few more lines and I’ll finish the code. “How are you doing?”

“You don’t want to know,” he says with a low voice. “Do you think you can send me the scooter Jason used when he broke his foot? Mom needs you to send her back the silverware she left last Christmas—something about donating it to charity.”

“Can it wait until next week?”

“I haven’t even finished yet,” he says so low I can barely hear him. “What I really need is the partnership contract I left in your house. Sam’s leaving me and is asking for a fortune.”

Of course, she’s leaving, his career might be over. The carefully planned competitive extreme sports life he had, where he got paid by sponsors finished when the doctor said, ‘You won’t be able to climb, run or perform the same that you used to.’ Her reaction doesn’t surprise me, he should’ve never gotten entangled with a woman like Sam. Didn’t he learn from my mistakes?

“What contract?”

“The manila envelope I gave you a couple of years ago,” he says exasperatedly.

“Please tell me you didn’t do anything stupid when you two decided to sign a partnership contract.”

“If I did everything right, it should save me. I need it and a good lawyer.”

“Why are you whispering?”

“Mom is here, and she would love to speak to you,” he says with a normal voice.

Oh, fuck me now!

“Hey Mom,” I greet her.

“Sweetheart, did I leave the silverware at your place?”

“I’m not sure, I’ll check and get back to you, but I’ll make sure to send the scooter.”

“We can buy him a new one,” she insists. “We’ll pick up the silverware later.”

No, please don’t come to visit me. I don’t have time for you to redecorate my house or find me a date.

“Mom, I’m about to enter a meeting, let me call you later,” I say and hang up without waiting for her to protest.





*



Thursday, April 21st, 5:46 p.m.



JSpear84: I need to overnight a package to my brother.

AWalk90: It’s almost 6 p.m.

JSpear84: Pretty sure I asked for shipping, not the time—and it’s 5:47 p.m.

AWalk90: I’ll be happy to overnight it tomorrow. There’s no way we can make it for tomorrow unless I send my delivery guy to California.

JSpear84: I knew you’d have an answer.

AWalk90: You’re joking, right?

JSpear84: Nope, I just went home to pick up what he needed. I’ll have it ready to go.

AWalk90: You’ll pay for the cost of shipping it, even if it’s more than a thousand dollars.